Rahaman Fisher, FNdlovu, Banele Michelle2023-08-112024-05-092023-08-112024-05-092023https://hdl.handle.net/10566/13283>Magister Scientiae - MScThe incidence of fungal skin infections is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in people with underlying immunosuppressive conditions. Currently, the most used methods of treatment are in the azole group of synthetic treatments. A major problem with these synthetic treatments’ is the increase in azole-resistant strains spreading worldwide. Additionally, an estimated 65–80% of all fungal infections are biofilm related, with biofilms found in Candida species such as Candida albicans, Candida dubliniensis, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis which infect the skin. There is an increased demand for alternative treatments that could be antifungals and medicinal plants could be the potential solution, as some plants possess antifungal properties. The overall aim of this study is to investigate the potential effect of South African medicinal plants used for the treatment of fungal infections against pathogens of dermatological relevance. The objectives were 1) to conduct a comprehensive literature search to identify indigenous medicinal plant extracts used to treat fungal skin infections, 2) to perform a cross-sectional study using an interview-based questionnaire to investigate the knowledge and practices of Cape bush doctors and validate their use of selected medicinal plants for treating dermatophyte infections in the Cape Metropole communities and 3) to investigate the in vitro bioactivity of selected plant extracts identified from the literature search and interviews. Fifteen medicinal plants were found using an in-depth literature search and all 15 plants were validated during the interviews as plants commonly used for fungal skin infections.enAgathosma betulinaAloe feroxBulbine frutescensMedicinal plantsUniversity of the Western Cape